The Dillinger Escape Plan's highly influential debut album, Calculating Infinity turned twenty two in September and we have commentary on the album from original vocalist Dimitri Minakakis. Enjoy the read and let us know your thoughts on Calculating Infinity twenty two years later.

First of all, how does it feel knowing Calculating Infinity turns 22 this year?

It's pretty wild that Calculating came out 22 years ago, to put in perspective from my viewpoint I was 22 years old when we recorded that record. I'm now 44 and looking back that album is now the same age as I was when we created it, baby is all grown up

How did you feel when the album came out?

I felt pretty much the same as any other record I was part of, very anxious, nervous, excited and satisfied. We always wanted to put out music we were proud of and this record was another piece of work we were confident and proud we produced our best performance.

Where do you think the album fits in the band's legacy?

I really don't think about any legacy when it comes to the band, I mean there were so many different lineups in the band so pick your poison which one was most impactful or prominent. For me, it solidified the early era of the band, and it was a great swan song for me to retire from the group.

How did the band approach writing? What inspired the lyrics?

The music was always composed by Ben; he would develop a library of riffs and backbones for songs then take them to Chris Pennie and hash out structure and sequencing and such. Of course, the rest of us would give our input and ideas on everything but Ben was the sole song writer.

As far as lyrics go, what inspired me was just my daily life. Meaning, the struggles and success of everyday life, relationships, personal conflict, that kind of thing.

Do any of the themes touched on the album still hold relevance for you?

Absolutely. Life does not stand still, we still have our pain and struggles and mistakes we make. Sometimes we learn and grow from them, and sometimes we fall back into patterns. Life is a battle and will always be evolving and changing, so topics I wrote about 22 years ago still apply today.

What were your hopes and expectations for the record during the writing and recording process?

I didn't have any expectations at all, I was primarily focused on producing a record I was proud of.

When you were in the studio, how was the morale of everyone?

Being in the studio is a euphoric experience so everyone was in a great mood and focused on the record. Recording is probably my favorite part of being in a band, just the work you put in together and the camaraderie is untouchable.

When was the last time you listened to the record? Are there memories and emotions that come back?

I gave it a listen at some point in September, I was having a rough week so why not hear yourself yelling back at you. It's almost like a fresh reminder to stay grounded for me, giving my own therapeutic advice to myself!

And yes, every time I hear that record every memory and emotion come back. How could it not?

What do you remember most about making the album?

Just making music with my closest friends. Sounds cliche but there you go.

Were there any bands in particular you enjoyed playing with while touring for the record?

Oh for sure, my favorites in no particular order: Converge, Cave In, Botch, Candiria, Isis

How did things change for the band after the album came out?

Nothing changed right away I guess, it's kind of hard to answer this question. I think mostly what changes is when you play and tour more and get that personal exposure. The album coming out just enhanced that, so over time it helped but immediately not so much.

Example, our fan base broadened after we did the Mr Bungle tour. That was a different crowd that would probably never have heard of a Relapse Records band. So seeing us live gave us that exposure.

Do you remember what you were listening to at the time?

A lot of Stereolab, Radiohead, Bjork, music that you wouldn't think a heavy record was predicated on.

Do you think of the album any differently now than you did when you recorded it?

Only the fact that it's 22 years old. I don't generally feel old in life, but thinking you recorded something 22 years ago kind of ages you. Musically I don't think of the record any different.

Did you ever expect the album to have the influence it did?

I had zero expectations with this record. Our only goal was to be proud of what we created for ourselves, if other people enjoyed it or hated it, it made no difference to us.

Thanks for your time.